Srinagar, April 6 : Irfana Zargar, fondly known as the Padwoman of Kashmir, has been conferred with the prestigious JK Gaurav Ekta Sammaan Award today in recognition of her relentless service towards women’s health, menstrual hygiene awareness, and community empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.
A fearless changemaker and a devoted daughter, Irfana began her journey in 2014, dedicating her mission to the memory of her late father. Through her initiative Eva Safety Door, she has been distributing sanitary pads free of cost, especially to underprivileged and orphaned girls, breaking taboos and igniting conversations around menstrual dignity in the most remote areas of the valley.
Her work is not just a service it is a movement rooted in empathy, resilience, and purpose. Traveling by local buses, often facing challenges, she continues to reach out to the unheard voices, proving that one woman can indeed be a revolution.
Upon receiving the award, Irfana said:
“This award is not just mine. It belongs to my father, whose values live through my actions, and to every girl who dares to dream beyond boundaries. I want to be the voice for the voiceless, and the hope for the hopeless.
Her story is a shining example of how courage and compassion can transform grief into a legacy and silence into a voice that echoes change.
